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Venezuela step up coaching search ahead of Super Eagles friendly
By Oyediji Oluwaseun Babatunde
Ahead of their high-profile international friendly against Nigeria’s senior men’s national team, the Venezuelan Football Federation (FVF) is accelerating efforts to appoint a new head coach.
The national team has been without a substantive manager since the conclusion of their South American World Cup qualifying campaign, leaving the federation under pressure to find a capable leader before the clash in Houston, United States, later this month.
Fresh reports from Caracas suggest that the FVF has reached out to Adenor Leonardo Bacchi, popularly known as Tite, to discuss the possibility of taking charge.
The former Brazil coach, who led the Seleção to the 2019 Copa América title and most recently managed Flamengo in 2024, is regarded as a leading candidate. Sources close to the discussions indicate that Tite’s wealth of experience at the top level of international football makes him an attractive option, although negotiations remain at a preliminary stage.
While Tite is believed to be the priority target, the FVF is also considering other names as part of its contingency plans should talks stall. Securing a tactician of Tite’s calibre would represent both a stability boost and a morale lift for the squad as they prepare for a demanding year.
The friendly in Houston is expected to serve as a crucial test for both teams. For Venezuela, it is a chance to regroup under new leadership, while for Nigeria, the encounter offers another opportunity to fine-tune preparations ahead of World Cup qualifiers and continental commitments.
With the countdown to kickoff underway, the pressure is mounting on the FVF to finalise an appointment swiftly and provide the national team with much-needed direction against one of Africa’s most formidable sides.
